retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten(t)-shən 
1
a
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
b
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2
a
: power of retaining : retentiveness
b
: an ability to retain things in mind
specifically
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3
: something retained
Examples of retention in a Sentence
the recruitment and retention of good employees
the retention of profits from all sales
pills to offset water retention
the retention of things learned in school
They say the herb promotes memory retention.
Recent Examples on the Web
That included $15 million to runner-up NetZero, which turns crop residues such as coffee husks into biochar, charcoal-like particles that can be used on fields to help store carbon in soils while also improving nutrient and water retention.
—
Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Missouri’s strategy has evolved beyond branding to become a recruiting and retention tool.
—Amelia Hurley, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
There are already various safeguards to ensure the integrity, and balance, of higher education such as oversight by governing boards, deep-pocket alumni who provide funding for programs, and faculty appointment and retention processes based on merit.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
As mentioned above, taking creatine in higher doses, such as 20 grams per day, may trigger minor side effects like water retention.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
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Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Missouri’s strategy has evolved beyond branding to become a recruiting and retention tool.
—Amelia Hurley, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
There are already various safeguards to ensure the integrity, and balance, of higher education such as oversight by governing boards, deep-pocket alumni who provide funding for programs, and faculty appointment and retention processes based on merit.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
As mentioned above, taking creatine in higher doses, such as 20 grams per day, may trigger minor side effects like water retention.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retention
Cite this Entry
“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2
: power of retaining
3
: something retained
Medical Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining: as
a
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
retention of urine
retention of bile
b
: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
Legal Definition
retention
noun
re·ten·tion
ri-ˈten-chən
1
: the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2
: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer
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